Rotto kitesurfers rip into Leighton

Rotto kitesurfers rip into Leighton - The West Australian

Competitors head towards Leighton this afternoon. Picture: Sharon Smith/The West Australian

Conditions were “perfect” for the third annual Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton kitesurfing race, which was taken out by Mosman Park real estate agent Jonathan Keys.

In its third year, the event, which is Australia’s longest kitesurfing race, drew more than 100 starters vying for the title, a trophy and $1500 first prize.

Competitors, who took off from Phillip Point on Rottnest Island mid-afternoon, were expected to reach up to 80km/h during the 19km dash from Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach. Keys won in 25min. 20sec.

A wave of colour swept across the Gage Roads channel as the kitesurfers raced towards the finish line at Leighton Beach.

Race director Tim Turner said conditions had been ideal for the race, with a “decent breeze” of 19 to 23 knots for the whole course.

Mr Turner said there had been a clean start and no incidents along the way.

Second prize went to last year’s winner, Dale Stanton, of Palmyra, while third place went to Philip Rowlands, of Scarborough.

The first woman across the line was Keira Macfarlane, also of Scarborough, who was also the fastest woman last year.

Past winners include Frenchman Alex Caizergues, who took just 24 minutes to claim the inaugural race in 2010, and Mr Stanton, who made the crossing in 28 minutes and 45 seconds last year.